After lots of patience. I found a 55 gal aquarium listed on Freecycle. If it holds water, I'm going to take it. Clearly it wont really be free....I will need a hood, light, heater, filters....etc

As a newbie (Yes, maintained a tank of gold fish and did the research labs snail tanks...but they were small)... I am a bit worried about trying to maintain such a large tank. But I also think its probably best to start with it, especially as I can have the tank for free.

I want a low light planted aquarium community tank...Gave up on Puffers as they are so aggressive (and hungry)...
What do you think about this sort of combo for such a tank:

As far as your stocking ideas...it sounds pretty good but I'd like to add some info on the Denison barb. I've got 'em, love 'em, but please consider a larger school. Besides looking fantastic in a larger sized school these fish are most comfortable being kept in larger numbers. If it was me (and it's not) I'd get at least 5. Your tank will need a tight fitting "lid" as they are jumpers when frightened. They also reach 6" in size, not the 4 1/2" that is usually reported for this fish. They are seriously active swimmers and adults shouldn't be kept in a tank less than 4' across, IMHO.

They are the most peaceful inhabitants in my tank. There is only one drawback in my eyes as far as this fish is concerned. They have yet to breed in captivity so any that you find have been wild caught, a behavior in which I morally wrestle with in regards to these types of purchases. Had I known this before I aquired them I'm not sure I would have come home with them.

Good Info onthe barbs, I would love to have 5-6, didnt want to be overstocking...
and now I have to debate the wild caught vs captive bred situation.

I should probably not plan too much as a lot of this is going to depends on whats at the LFS...I can't really see that shipping a fish from California to me in Florida would be a fun experience for any fish...though I am sure they know how to do it properly...

After lots of patience. I found a 55 gal aquarium listed on Freecycle. If it holds water, I'm going to take it. Clearly it wont really be free....I will need a hood, light, heater, filters....etc

As a newbie (Yes, maintained a tank of gold fish and did the research labs snail tanks...but they were small)... I am a bit worried about trying to maintain such a large tank. But I also think its probably best to start with it, especially as I can have the tank for free.

I want a low light planted aquarium community tank...Gave up on Puffers as they are so aggressive (and hungry)...
What do you think about this sort of combo for such a tank:

Its alot of fish, but most are small and not aggressive, and for the most part...appear compatible.
I was thinking of tetras as well...

and as for plants, which are the best for lower light???
Many thanks to all.....

I would not recommend putting any tetras with what you have planned; aside from size issues the water parameters would likely be too different. Plants to consider are vallisneria (prefers neutral to alkaline pH, moderate light), pygmy chain sword would probably be OK to cover the substrate as long as the pH isn't too alkaline, and some of the more common amazon swords the same. You will need two 40w full spectrum (6500K) tubes over this tank to guarantee success. Smaller grain aquarium gravel is good for plants.

The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.[unknown source]

Something we all need to remember: The fish you've acquired was quite happy not being owned by you, minding its own business. If you’re going to take it under your wing then you’re responsible for it. Every aspect of its life is under your control, from water quality and temperature to swimming space. [Nathan Hill in PFK]

Just a note on the Boesemani/Denisons...I would choose a school of 6 of either on or the other. As Aunt Kymmie mentioned the Denisons can get quite large and the Boesemani can get to about 4-5" also. Both are very active fish and need lots of swimming space. I've kept Boesemani but not the Denisons (although I would Love to have some but they're so expensive!)

Just a note on the Boesemani/Denisons...I would choose a school of 6 of either on or the other. As Aunt Kymmie mentioned the Denisons can get quite large and the Boesemani can get to about 4-5" also. Both are very active fish and need lots of swimming space. I've kept Boesemani but not the Denisons (although I would Love to have some but they're so expensive!)

Good luck with your tank!

Thanks! I've been moving away from the Rainbows (SO pretty though) and the Barbs actually and am thinking about doing an all Native to Florida tank...
So probably just:
top lined minnows
golden minnows
Flag Fish
Black fin shiners(Darn it all they say they can get up to 7 inches long, so not many of them! and I think they might eat the minnows.)
So confusing who might eat whom.... I have a feeling that no matter how carefully I plan some sort of aquarium mishap will inevitably occur. I just want to minimize it as much as possible.

as soon as I find someone to help me carry my tank into my apartment, many photos will ensue. :)